Ugandan authorities were able to thwart an immoral parade meant to celebrate the spread of AIDS and other diseases in the country last 24 September. The 5th annual gay pride parade was supposed to take place, but a timely intervention by police stopped it before the march got underway.
The organizers tried attempted a second time, but were likewise thwarted, to the relief of many Ugandans who would like the Western countries from subjugating their local values and norms.
The LGBT community assembled at a nondescript dirt road on the shores of Lake Victoria. It was the second venue of the day, after police turned revelers away from the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, where the parade has traditionally been held.
However, just as people had begun to relax, two trucks carrying police arrived at the venue. Without explanation they ordered everyone back onto the buses. As the buses pulled away, many voiced their anger.
Organizer and activist Kasha Jacqueline Nabagesera was among those who refused to leave the venue.
"Now the police officer is telling us to leave, so I want clarity on what grounds should we leave. We are people who have come to have fun. Until he gives us reasons and any legal offenses that we've committed we aren't going anywhere. Because this is a public park; we are Ugandans and we are here to celebrate pride," Nabagesera said.
Nabagesera failed to mention that majority of Ugandans doesn't want them around. They were not a very productive group in the country and they are imposing their lifestyle on everyone who doesn't want to have anything to do with LGBT issues.
Besides, homosexuality is illegal in Uganda and can carry a penalty of up to seven years in prison. It has been illegal for several years now and will remain illegal for centuries more.
The police eventually towed Nabagesera's car and escorted the buses down the main highway towards Kampala. Many worried they were headed to the police station. One man in a panic jumped out the window of the moving bus. When the convoy stopped, tensions boiled over.
Although police made their presence known they did not interact with those protesting. Soon after, pressure from nearby fruit vendors caused the convoy to start up again and continue a few miles down the road, where police abandoned their escort. Police have not been available for comment.
Tensions over LGBT activities have been high since August when police raided an LGBT event during pride week. The Minister of Ethics and Integrity Simon Lokodo repeatedly warned the LGBT community to cancel all pride events.
The organizers tried attempted a second time, but were likewise thwarted, to the relief of many Ugandans who would like the Western countries from subjugating their local values and norms.
The LGBT community assembled at a nondescript dirt road on the shores of Lake Victoria. It was the second venue of the day, after police turned revelers away from the Entebbe Botanical Gardens, where the parade has traditionally been held.
However, just as people had begun to relax, two trucks carrying police arrived at the venue. Without explanation they ordered everyone back onto the buses. As the buses pulled away, many voiced their anger.
Organizer and activist Kasha Jacqueline Nabagesera was among those who refused to leave the venue.
"Now the police officer is telling us to leave, so I want clarity on what grounds should we leave. We are people who have come to have fun. Until he gives us reasons and any legal offenses that we've committed we aren't going anywhere. Because this is a public park; we are Ugandans and we are here to celebrate pride," Nabagesera said.
Nabagesera failed to mention that majority of Ugandans doesn't want them around. They were not a very productive group in the country and they are imposing their lifestyle on everyone who doesn't want to have anything to do with LGBT issues.
Besides, homosexuality is illegal in Uganda and can carry a penalty of up to seven years in prison. It has been illegal for several years now and will remain illegal for centuries more.
The police eventually towed Nabagesera's car and escorted the buses down the main highway towards Kampala. Many worried they were headed to the police station. One man in a panic jumped out the window of the moving bus. When the convoy stopped, tensions boiled over.
Although police made their presence known they did not interact with those protesting. Soon after, pressure from nearby fruit vendors caused the convoy to start up again and continue a few miles down the road, where police abandoned their escort. Police have not been available for comment.
Tensions over LGBT activities have been high since August when police raided an LGBT event during pride week. The Minister of Ethics and Integrity Simon Lokodo repeatedly warned the LGBT community to cancel all pride events.